The ‘Charity Begins With Me’ book drive aims to get more books in the hands of children living in the nearby township in the North of Johannesburg.
Johannesburg, South Africa (25 May 2022) – Reading is an essential part of learning, but many children only ever read when they are in the classroom. Stephen Ferreira has started collecting children’s books to help nurture a love of reading in the community he is working to uplift.
Stephen Ferreira started ‘Charity Begins With Me‘ shortly after he was first diagnosed with cancer in 2016. He realised he could do so much more with the life he had left and quickly set up the charity as a way to give back. He ran the charity throughout his chemotherapy treatments, remission and sadly, his relapse. Whatever battles he faces in his own life, it is those of others that give him the strength to push through.
This children’s book drive forms part of his successful Toys for Trash campaign launched earlier this year. The idea rewards kids for their recycling. The kids collect recyclable goods by cleaning their homes or the area they live in and then bring cans, tin and plastic to the toy store where they can exchange them for anything they like.
The books give children the opportunity to read outside of school, so they can develop a love of it instead of feeling like it is work. Reading offers a great escape as well as opportunities to sit with loved ones and explore the pages of a book together.
The books can be donated to the organisation using the details below. Stephen says adult and young adult books are also welcome as they will be much appreciated by the older youth.